Thursday, March 8, 2012

Learning Stitches

I am not the person who grew up with learning skills like sewing at an early age...though I always wished I had. I have always wanted to know how to sew and knit and crochet, to make useful things with my own hands. When we were young girls, my grandmother gave my sister and I each a lesson in something useful. She taught my sister how to sew and me how to cook. Even though I was proud to make my own chocolate chip cookies at age 5 and cook my own mashed potatoes at 5 am nearly burning the house down, I was a bit jealous that I didn't know how to sew. And to this day, I still don't know how, and my sister makes her own clothing line. Jealous much? Yep, I am, a wee bit. Till this day, I still don't know how to sew and she, well, doesn't boil water. haha.

I did complete my first knitted scarf last month, and I am quite proud that it resembles a long rectangle and not some abstract wavy shape. Plus, my handsewn flowers have been turning out great. So, with renewed courage in myself that I can work with string {and not end up in a tangled mess}, I've been eager to stitch something for a while now. If you look at my bookmarks on my computer, you'll notice that I have several tabs devoted to different types of stitches for sewing and embroidery.

Yesterday, after perusing the net for longer than I am willing to admit, looking for the perfect doll for KennaKat, I decided to make her a doll out of all that felt that I've got sitting around. {And save beaucoups of moulah in the process}. I'm kind of obsessed with Matryoshka dolls, and I thought that it would be pretty simple to handle for a beginner me, so after everyone was in bed last night, I got to work.

It took way longer than expected, because I think I'm the slowest sewer ever. But I'm proud of how she turned out. And KennaKat LOVES her new gift. She's been snuggling with her and keeping her next to her the whole hour and a half that she's had her. She said she loves it and loves how squishy she is. She also said that she's perfect for sleeping with AND playing with. My how I love that girls enthusiasm :)

I know I used the most basic stitch ever, and this is the stitch they have you do when you buy the kids 'make your own animal set', but hey, I'm a beginner sewer here, and it worked like a dream, I didn't even have to buy the kit ;) It's called the blanket stitch, {plus a bit of BackStitching for the facial features in a free handed design} and if you're looking to begin sewing and make something simple, I definitely recommend it. Don't buy the kids kit, buy some felt and make your own designs. It's also a great way of turning your kids art into reality. I plan on turning one of E's millions of sonic the hedgehog drawings into a sonic doll soon. Just cut out the shape and use it as a template, easy-peasy. I also plan on making an Owl pillow for KennaKat, I'm obsessed with owls just about as much as I am Matryoshkas.